Letter to the editor: Recent vandalism disrespectful to military, flag

Wednesday

Sep 11, 2019 at 9:11 AM

The Tremont viaduct was dedicated on Memorial Day 2011 as the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Bridge. There are 19 memorial plaques dedicated to the 19 men from western Stark County that gave their lives while serving our country in Vietnam. It is a disgrace to our community that six of the memorial plaques have been vandalized.

On July 4, two veterans installed 24 American flags proudly flying above each soldier's plaque, with two flags at each end of the viaduct on the large memorial bronze plaques that name those men killed in action.

Recently, five flags were stolen and six flag staffs were broken by vandals. Hopefully, someone will come forward with information that can help us catch the vandals. I would hope that our local court would give them a lifetime of community service, if convicted.

Parents and our school system should be teaching our younger generation the respect of our military personal and the American flag. Take a walk through Massillon's Veterans Memorial Park. Observe and reflect on the names on the monuments and plaques, from the Civil War through the present to see how proud our city is of the veterans who gave the ultimate sacrifice while serving our nation, and pray for those who are presently serving and defending our country.

TERRY A. ROAN, MASSILLON

Commander, VFW Post 3124

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